When it comes to feeding our dogs, we only want the best. And we are not alone, as many pet parents, including top-tier athletes, feel the same way. So it likely comes as no surprise that five time Olympian, Michael Phelps is one of those pet parents who is very aware of what his dog eats.
As a dog dad to Onyx, Phelps chooses Purina Pro Plan for his dog's well-being and health. And that is why it just makes sense that the Olympian partnered with Purina Pro Plan on their Fueled By docuseries.
In the docuseries, we get to see a bit of the training that a top tier athlete does to keep their body and mind healthy, while also doing that training with their dog at their side. In the docuseries, we get to see the lifestyle that Michael Phelps and Onyx share that includes plenty of adventure and activity.
Ahead of the docuseries releasing in June, we had the chance to chat with Phelps and ask him more about the partnership, the challenges he faces as a dog parent, and even his own health.
Michael Phelps answers our questions about his dog Onyx and his partnership with Purina
Dog O'Day: What was it about the Purina Pro Plan Fueled By docuseries that made you want to work with them?
"You know, it's kind of simple because for me, me being me, I'm super active. I'm always on the go. And throughout my whole entire career, I've treated my body like a Ferrari or like a high performance racecar, always fueling it by the best and what I need, the best fuel to allow me to be myself. So as a dog owner, and as a very active dog owner, I have a Great Dane and she is honestly like a racehorse. Every time she's out back and every time we go for a walk, like she doesn't stop. She kind of reminds me of myself. You know, how active she is and just the amount of affection and attention she loves. So, it just makes sense to fuel her by the best and and I think Pro Plan Sport is the best for her. I've been able to see that she's really kind of just been more outgoing and super active and super fun. You know, she's my best friend. I'm here in New York and you know, I know she misses daddy and I can't wait to get back home to her."Michael Phelps
Dog O'Day: What do you hope that people take away from this particular docuseries?
"Just what dogs really are and what they need. They really are like people and you know, to make sure that you're feeding them the right food, I think that's super important. Like us as humans, we make sure that we take care of ourselves that way. So dogs, to me, are the same way. So if we're able to take care of them and give them what they need, then they're able to live their best life. "Michael Phelps
Dog O'Day: What are some of the challenges that you face as a pet parent who is also a very active individual?
"I'll say with what my job is, I'm at home a lot. So it's kind of easy for me to always be giving Onyx exactly what she needs. She wants to go outside, we're going outside with her throwing a ball. We're giving her the love and attention that she wants and needs. And I think I'm very fortunate in that way. But, I think, one thing I will say is again, like they are humans, they do feel our emotions and can tell what we're going through and just based off body language and that stuff so, I think it's always making sure that you're giving them the love and the care they need. You know for me they're such a special part of our family. Our boys are so obsessed and so absolutely in love with her. All they do is lay on the couch and just kind of chill with her. You know, like in the morning when she gets up they kind of sprawl on her, like they all kind of pick a little section and just lay on her and it's pretty special to see the interactions that they have as well."Michael Phelps
Dog O'Day: You have talked about how much you love your dog, what do you find to be the best part about being her parent?
"I guess I like seeing the excitement, right? Like you can tell when a dog's excited. You can tell when she's just having a good time, kind of loving yourself, loving what she's doing. One morning we're down in Mexico on vacation and we walked on the golf course and one of my favorite things with her is just kind of letting her go. I let go of the leash or take her off the leash. And she literally just runs all over the golf course and chases a ball. And I think just being able to see her be herself and just be free. I think that's something that I try to strive for every single day. So seeing her be able to do that. I think is really special."Michael Phelps
Dog O'Day: Do you find that having a dog helps with your mental health?
"100%! You know, for me again, like there are days I wake up and I'm not 100% on. And you know, I would just rather stay in bed and just curl up in a ball, but I know I have things that I need to do every single day for my family, for myself to make sure that I'm being the best version of me. One of the best things in the morning is waking up and seeing Onyx because I kind of get her going in the morning and she comes out and sits with me when I get in the cold tub and that's my first thing, I get in the cold tub in the morning. She'll come out and kind of do her thing and come hang out with me. And then the boys start waking up and she'll sit with me for breakfast while I make breakfast for the boys or go over and sit and hang out with them on the couch. And it's just, for me, on those days, it's just important to take that step back and just slow things down. I always try to say if the TV channel in my head isn't what I want, I want to try to turn that channel and try to change it and focus your attention on something else. And you know, when you do have a dog or a family it's kind of easy to to make that shift so you can kind of process what's going on and what you have to do for the day."Michael Phelps
Dog O'Day: What is something you've learned about yourself from being a pet parent?
"Slow down. You know for me, obviously throughout my career, my life has always been go go go and I'm literally competing against the clock and sometimes in hundreds of a second. So being able to have the opportunity to have a family, but also have a dog, it forces you to slow down and just be present in those moments. You know, because I think each little moment is so important, and for me time is so important. And that's something that's so valuable that we'll never have enough of. So for me I try to use my time as wisely as I can."Michael Phelps
Dog O'Day: So this is something I love asking everyone and it's kind of a fun one. If you were any dog breed what would you be and why?
"I guess now since having a Great Dane, I'd probably be a Great Dane. Just because I feel like my arms are super long right? I'm kind of super gangly and just kind of like, I don't know, just kind of goofy. So, I think my dog kind of represents me. I guess we are both pretty similar. We both like activities. And we both like to sleep and eat, so we are one and the same. So I'd say I would definitely be a Great Dane."Michael Phelps
If you want to see Michael Phelps and his dog, Onyx, in their Fueled By docuseries, check out the video below.